Pacifica Seeks Grant for Beach Boulevard Offshore Reef Study

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The City of Pacifica is partnering with the San Mateo County OneShoreline district to seek a state boating and waterways grant for a $150,000 study of an offshore artificial reef to protect Beach Boulevard. The two-year project would model reef designs to reduce flooding and erosion, support sand retention, and improve coastal access, with community engagement and technical analysis from UC Santa Cruz researchers.

Why it matters

Pacifica's Beach Boulevard has long been vulnerable to flooding and erosion, with storms and rising sea levels posing an ongoing threat to the coastal community. An offshore artificial reef could help mitigate these issues and preserve public access to the shoreline, a key priority for the city.

The details

The proposed offshore reef study would explore various design options and model their potential impacts on reducing flooding, retaining sand, and improving coastal access along Beach Boulevard. The project would involve close collaboration with the local community to gather input and ensure the reef meets the needs of Pacifica residents.

• The city and OneShoreline have applied for a state boating and waterways grant to fund the two-year study.
• If approved, the study is expected to begin in 2026 and conclude in 2028.

What they’re saying

What’s next

If the grant application is approved, the city and OneShoreline will begin the two-year feasibility study to model and evaluate potential offshore reef designs for Beach Boulevard.